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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" style='position:absolute;margin-left:4.65pt;margin-top:6.9pt;width:60.85pt;height:68.7pt;z-index:-251657216;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=81 height=92 style='width:.8437in;height:.9583in' src="cid:image002.png@01DB7037.AFB5EFD0" align=left hspace=12 alt="NFB of SC logo with tagline live the life you want" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>January 26, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Memo To: Executive Officers, Board Members, Chapter & Division Presidents & Others<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From: Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Positive Note 2007<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>843-939-8091 <a href="mailto:president@nfbofsc.org">president@nfbofsc.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Dear Federation Family,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Well, it was more than a threat! Many areas of South Carolina received snow during the past week and schools and government agencies across the state were closed as necessary. This has been a January to remember where weather events have taken place close together. Fortunately, loss of power was minimal if at all and everyone seems to have weathered the cold in good order. Remember to check on your family, friends and neighbors during this unusual weather activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Due to the threat of snow, we had to cancel the Legislative Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. This was a mere 24 hours before the event was scheduled. We appreciate Federation Center Chair Ed Bible’s relationship with Eggs Up Grill as we incurred no cost due to this unpreventable cancellation. The Legislative Breakfast cannot be rescheduled as these appointments are secured a year in advance. The Legislative and Advocacy Committee will work to ensure that our message is communicated to the elected leaders. You may be asked to assist in this endeavor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>At this time next week, our Washington Seminar delegation will be in Washington, DC and preparing for the great gathering which will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. You are encouraged to join virtually via Zoom to participate in this activity. The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 992 4094 2968#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. Let’s show up and support our delegation at this event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects will take place on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. on the NFB of SC Zoom platform immediately following the At Large chapter meeting. This change is due to Washington Seminar taking place the first week of February. This month’s Palmetto Connects will be hosted by First Vice President Lenora Robertson. The phone number is 929-205-6099 and the meeting ID is 803 254 3777#. If you are using the Zoom app on your computer, phone or tablet, activate the Join button and enter the above meeting ID without the # sign. Continue to encourage members to participate in this monthly meeting so that we can improve our attendance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From the Sports and Recreation Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Sports and Recreation Division is at a crucial point. We met on January 8, 2025 but did not have anyone interested in taking on the role as president. We will meet again on February 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM to decide if we will continue as a division or to drop back to a committee or a group. Please join us to share your thoughts about the changes under consideration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>It is time for chapters and divisions to send in your dues to the state office for 2025. Please provide a list of names with the check. If you have new members that joined this year, please send in their contact information as well as other information we need for our records and for the Membership Portal. For assistance with this, contact Thom Spittle, Membership and Mentoring Chair, at (803-331-3344 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:membership@nfbofsc.org">membership@nfbofsc.org</a>. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Belinda Banks, President of the Blind Merchants Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Blind Merchants Division of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is back with our 2025 Sweethearts Sale! We are selling boutonnieres and corsages for the Sweethearts Ball. Boutonnieres are $15 and Corsages are $20. Purchase both for a special price of $30. This is a pre-sale event, so please make your purchase before February 1, 2025. For more information or to place an order, please contact Belinda Banks at 864-909-5587 or via e-mail at <a href="mailto:banksbelinda21@gmail.com">banksbelinda21@gmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Andrew Adams, District 2 Representative<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina invites you to its annual Sweetheart Ball on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets are $30 per person or $240 per table. Tickets can be purchased by: 1) Sending a check or money order to: Federation Center, 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205; 2) Using NFB of SC PayPal and including “Sweetheart Ball” in the memo field. This is a wonderful opportunity to fellowship and enjoy a special evening. Don’t miss out!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Frank Loza, District 3 Representative:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Federation family, the cold weather is here, and it’s time to get your NFB of SC jackets! There are two styles: a Microfiber that comes in black or Blue in sizes small to 4x and a Polyester Blend that comes in black, blue and gray in sizes small to 5x. On the back of the jacket is our national logo with the text National Federation of the Blind and “Live the Life You Want.” On the left front side are the words NFB of SC. If another state would like one of these jackets, they can be created. The logo and lettering are embroidered, so they can be felt. The Microfiber is $80 and the Polyester blend is $70. If you have any questions, call Frank Loza at 803-617-8016. You can pay by check, money order, PayPal or Zelle. If you pay by PayPal or Zelle, you will make the payment to my email, which is <a href="mailto:floza58@bellsouth.net">floza58@bellsouth.net</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>From Andrew Adams, Columbia Chapter President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Craving Barbecue? We’ve Got You Covered!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Looking for a delicious barbecue sandwich but don’t know where to get one? The Columbia Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina is here to help! Join us for our BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Federation Center of the Blind, located at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd., Columbia, SC 29205. For just $15 per plate, enjoy: a Pulled Chicken or Pulled Pork Sandwich with Two Sides of Your Choice and a drink. Choice of sides include: Baked Beans, Green Beans, Coleslaw, or Potato Chips. How to Purchase Your Plate. Buy a ticket from any Columbia Chapter member selling a ticket. Pay via PayPal to the NFB of SC (write Columbia BBQ in the memo). Send a check or money order to the Federation Center of the Blind Located at 119 S. Kilbourne Rd, Columbia SC 29205 (write Columbia BBQ in the memo). Not hungry but still want to support the cause? Donations are always appreciated and help us continue our work in the community. Come out, enjoy great food, and support a meaningful cause!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Things to remember<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>State dues submitted as soon as possible<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Washington Seminar the week of January 2-7, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Palmetto Connects on February 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Sweetheart Ball on February 14, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Columbia Chapter BBQ on March 8, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Marty R. McKenzie, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>119 S. Kilbourne Road<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Columbia, SC 29205<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Phone: 803-254-3777<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Mobile: 843-939-8091<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none'>Website: <a href="http://www.nfbofsc.org/">www.nfbofsc.org</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>